Woodland grants for creation and carbon fund
Woodland creation is becoming an increasingly hot topic. The steady increase in demand for locally produced wood along with some positive changes to Government grant schemes, is encouraging an increasing number of landowners to start planting.
Changes announced by the Forestry Commission to the Woodland Creation Planning Grant and the Woodland Carbon Fund have now opened up eligibility for grant funding for projects of 10 hectares or more. There is now an additional allowance for existing woodland within 50 metres of project sites to be within a contiguous block that can count towards the minimum size requirement. These changes should be encouraging to landowners with smaller parcels of commercially unviable woodland. With additional grant funding, landowners can expand their woodland parcels to better utilise their existing assets. Grants are limited and deadlines apply, so we therefore advise early consultation with your local Forestry Commission Woodland Officer. Please speak to Sworders for further advice.